EXIT
MADISON MAYOR
DAMON L. WELCH
May 13, 1953-Sept. 25, 2019
Damon Lee Welch, age 66, of Madison,
Indiana, entered this life on May 13, 1953, at King’s
Daughters’ Hospital in Madison, Indiana. He was
the Mayor of Madison and the loving son of James
Lawrence and Virginia Lou Ball Welch.
A 1971 graduate of Madison Consolidated
High School, Damon enjoyed the many social,
athletic and leadership outlets available to youth.
He represented his peers on Student Council,
participated in track and cross country, won the
honor of prom king his senior year and served
as lead singer and guitarist for “The Dutchmen”
band. More than all of this, the future mayor also
connected with his sweetheart for life, Virginia
K. “Ginny” Kelly. On Aug. 3, 1973, Damon and
Ginny were united in marriage. Two daughters,
Gaeli and Kirsty, and one son, Collin, blessed this
happy union of 46 years.
In 1975, Damon graduated from the University
of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Business
Administration degree. Graduation day entailed
a double celebration for the ROTC member. He also
was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. Damon
was inducted into the United States Air Force on
Sept. 7, 1975, and attained the rank of Captain
serving in the 606th Tactical Control Squadron.
96 EXTOL : OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019
Meriting the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon,
he was honorably discharged on Aug. 6, 1980, at
Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina.
After his military tenure, Damon returned to his
Jefferson County roots and for nine years was the
owner/operator of Damon’s Restaurant on Main
Street. Although opening time preceded sunrise,
Damon enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie of
his many customers who depended on him for that
cheerful hello and early morning cup of coffee. His
career later veered in a new and different direction
as he worked in the hearing health industry for 20
years. In 2012, Damon took on a totally different
role as the newl- elected mayor and civic leader of
the City of Madison. Pleased with his leadership,
citizens re-elected Damon mayor again for the
2016-2020 term.
Damon’s love for music began as a young teen but
definitely evolved into adulthood. Wherever there
was music, Damon was close by. He penned lyrics,
played guitar, sang lead and belonged to bands.
Local events also frequently featured the mayor
and his wife singing “oldies” in a band comprised of
friends. His other entertainment passion entailed
the Big Blue Nation, the home of his alma mater.
For Damon, no other college basketball team
compared to the Kentucky Wildcats. The avid fan
knew the players, the stats, conference standings
and all the historical moments that thrusted UK
to the top.
At North Madison Christian Church, where he
donated voluminous time and involvement, Damon
served as a deacon, elder, worship leader and all-
around volunteer. Whenever a need prevailed,
Damon stepped forward. A true community
servant and leader with vision, Damon loved
accommodating and promoting his hometown. He
was a prolific supporter of numerous community
charities and projects, such as Life Choices and
Ruth Haven. That compassion extended beyond
the boundaries of the Ohio River Valley as well, with
he and Ginny presently helping a child in Uganda
gain a better education and exposure to life skills.
Damon was a devoted husband, loving dad,
grandpa, brother, uncle, son and friend. Damon
was anticipating the birth of another grandson,
whom Damon affectionately nicknamed “Peanut,”
in November.
Mayor Welch passed away suddenly on Sept. 25,
2019, at 8:49 a.m. at King’s Daughters’ Hospital in
Madison, Indiana. He is already missed but will be
remembered with love and admiration.